System automating the preparation of international intellectual property applications for filing

ABSTRACT

A system for automating preparation of IP applications has a server, a priority computer associated with a priority professional and a priority jurisdiction, and a second computer associated with a second professional and a second jurisdiction. A data store has portions associated with each professional, and which are only accessible by the respective professional after authentication. The priority professional sends application data for an IP application to the server for storage in the data store. The priority professional sends an instruction to initiate filing of the IP application in the second jurisdiction. A replicator on the server copies the application data to the portion of the data store associated with the second professional. A document assembler on the server assembles filing documents for the second jurisdiction by combining the application data with at least one form. The server sends the filing documents to the second professional for review and filing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/198,993, filed on Jul.30, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present teachings relate generally to the preparation and filing ofintellectual property (“IP”) applications and related papers betweenjurisdictions, and more particularly to an automated network-basedsystem that replicates IP application information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, an IP application is filed in a first jurisdiction (e.g.,priority jurisdiction) and subsequently filed in second jurisdictionsuch that the application in the second jurisdiction claims priority tothe priority jurisdiction. A professional in the priority jurisdiction(e.g., priority professional) prepares the IP application on his or herown computer and then transmits it over the Internet by email (or othertelecommunication network) to a second professional for preparation andfiling in the second jurisdiction.

In order for the second professional to file the application in thesecond jurisdiction, he or she is required to maintain a computer system(e.g., second computer system) and local area network to receive the IPapplication, as well as staff to prepare the application and relateddocuments for filing. The second professional (or a staff member, etc.)re-enters the bibliographic information and received application datainto the second computer system to prepare documents necessary to filethe application in the second jurisdiction.

The current system has many disadvantages for the priority professional.For example, transmission of the application to the second professionalis not secure unless both professionals have previously established endto end transmission security in advance. Establishing this securityplaces technical burdens on both professionals—even assuming both sidesuse similar computing environments—that are generally outside the scopeof their business focus of preparing IP applications.

Another concern for the priority professional is the security of the IPapplication while stored on the second professional's computer system.The priority professional has no knowledge or control over whetherapplication documents are encrypted, backed up, or handled securely bythe second professional.

Yet another concern for priority professional is the re-entry ofbibliographical and application data by the second professional. Thepriority professional has no knowledge or control of whether any stepsare taken to avoid errors. Perhaps more importantly, the re-entry ofdata into the second professional's computer system, as well as intodocuments for filing, creates unnecessary expense. This additionalexpense can be significant, especially when the priority professionalseeks to file in multiple jurisdictions. In addition, in the event theinformation must be translated the priority professional has noknowledge or control of who is performing the translation or if anysteps are being taken to avoid errors.

Ordinarily, IP professionals exchange IP applications for filing in eachother's jurisdictions. In jurisdictions where the market is small orthere are otherwise relatively few incoming international IP applicationfilings, the cost to file outside the jurisdiction becomes morecritical. Employing staff is often the highest cost facing an IPprofessional, so any system that reduces staff requirements generallylowers cost and therefore is likely to increase the volume of newfilings from outside the jurisdiction.

The concerns of the priority professional are imposed on the secondprofessional who needs staff not only to maintain the necessarycomputing resources to satisfy the requirements of the priorityprofessional as well as possible governmental privacy mandates, but alsofor re-entering bibliographical and application information, and fordrafting or receiving and revising the IP application (e.g., which maybe a data file). In addition, at least a portion of the secondjurisdiction professionals' staff may have to be bilingual and havemultilingual computing resources in order to establish secure computinglinks and/or minimize data file translation and bibliographicinformation re-entering errors.

It is known, as described above, for intellectual property professionalsto exchange, usually over the Internet, intellectual propertyapplications for filing in other jurisdictions. It is also known to usenetwork-based document management software, such as that provided byPerfectLaw® and identified in the information disclosure statementsubmitted with this application, the content of which is incorporated byreference in its entirety. What is not known, however, is use byintellectual property professionals in different jurisdictions of thesame network-based system with access to different portions of adatabase to streamline filing of IP applications in multiplejurisdictions without the problems and costs known in the prior art.Therefore, it would be beneficial to have an alternative system andmethod for automating the preparation of international intellectualproperty applications for filing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The needs set forth herein as well as further and other needs andadvantages are addressed by the present teachings, which illustratesolutions and advantages described below.

What is desired is a cloud-based system for at least partiallyautomating the preparation and filing of IP applications betweenjurisdictions, and more particularly to a system and method whichreplicates application information from one of a plurality of matterfiles accessible by a priority professional in a priority jurisdictionto a matter file accessible by a second professional in a secondjurisdiction. This reduces manual entry of bibliographic information,transmission, receipt and manipulating of data files for the IPapplication, improves the security and reliability of transmitting theapplication, and increases the ability to automate the assembly ofdocuments necessary for filing the application in one or more secondjurisdictions with reduced errors and cost.

The system according to the present teachings may include, although notlimited thereto, a server, a priority computer associated with apriority professional and a priority jurisdiction, and a first secureconnection over the Internet between the server and the prioritycomputer, the first secure connection requiring authentication of thepriority professional. It may further include a plurality of secondprofessionals, a plurality of second computers, each associated with oneof the plurality of second professionals, a plurality of secondjurisdictions, each associated with one of the plurality of secondprofessionals, and a plurality of second secure connections over theInternet, one between each second computer and the server, each secondsecure connection requiring authentication of the associated secondprofessional. A data store may be accessible by the server, the datastore having a matter database, each matter having a matter number, aforms database, each form relating to an intellectual property filingdocument, and an appointment database, each appointment relating to afiling deadline. The priority professional may be associated with afirst portion of the data store, and each second professional may beassociated with a second portion of the data store. Each of the firstand second portions of the data store may only be accessible by theassociated professional after authentication and not accessible by anyof the other professionals. An interface on the priority computer mayreceive from the priority professional application data for an IPapplication, and send the application data to the server over the firstsecure connection. An interface on the server may receive theapplication data from the priority computer, and store the applicationdata in the first portion of the data store. The interface on thepriority computer may receive from the priority professional aninstruction to initiate filing of the IP application in each secondjurisdiction, and send the instruction to the server over the firstsecure connection. A replicator on the server may be adapted to copy theapplication data from the first portion of the data store to each secondportion of the data store. A new matter record may be created by thereplicator and stored in each second portion of the data store, thereplicator creating each new record by copying matter information from apriority matter stored in the first portion of the data store, thepriority matter having matter information for the IP application. A newappointment record may be created by the replicator and stored in eachsecond portion of the data store, each new appointment record relatingto the filing deadline for the IP application in the associated secondjurisdiction. A document assembler on the server may be adapted toassemble documents for the IP application. A specification document maybe created by the document assembler for each second jurisdiction, thespecification document for each second jurisdiction assembled bycombining the application data with a form retrieved from the secondportion of the data store associated with the respective secondprofessional. An application information sheet may be created by thedocument assembler for each second jurisdiction, the applicationinformation sheet for each second jurisdiction assembled by combiningthe application data with a form retrieved from the second portion ofthe data store associated with the respective second professional. Theinterface on the server may send the specification document andapplication information sheet for each second jurisdiction to theassociated second computer over its second secure connection for reviewand filing by the associated second professional.

A translator on the server may translate at least a portion of theapplication data into a different language for each second jurisdiction.

The system may limit each second jurisdiction to a single secondprofessional.

The application data copied by the replicator may have a temporary statethat only lasts until the specification and application informationsheet are assembled.

The replicator may only copy the application data at the time the filingdocuments are assembled.

The specification document may comprise a specification for a new patentapplication and the application information sheet may comprise anapplication data sheet.

The specification document may comprise a new trademark application andthe application information sheet may comprise a cover sheet for the newtrademark application.

A billing module on the server may automatically create an invoice foreach second professional to file the IP application, and transmit eachinvoice to the priority professional.

The server may transmit filing documents for each second jurisdiction toan official government office for filing in the respective secondjurisdiction.

Each new matter record may be associated with a matter number for thepriority matter.

The server may comprise a plurality of computers communicating with eachother over a network.

The system according to the present teachings may include, although notlimited thereto, a server, a priority computer associated with apriority professional and a priority jurisdiction, and a first secureconnection over the Internet between the server and the prioritycomputer, the first secure connection requiring authentication of thepriority professional. The system may further include at least onesecond professional, at least one second computer, each associated withone of the at least one second professional, at least one secondjurisdiction, each associated with one of the at least one secondprofessional, and at least one second secure connection over theInternet between the server and each at least one second computer, eachsecond secure connection requiring authentication of the associatedsecond professional. A data store may be accessible by the server. Thepriority professional may be associated with a first portion of the datastore, and each second professional may be associated with a secondportion of the data store. Each of the first and second portions of thedata store may only be accessible by the associated professional afterauthentication and not accessible by any of the other professionals. Aninterface on the priority computer may receive from the priorityprofessional application data for an IP application, and send theapplication data to the server over the first secure connection. Aninterface on the server may receive the application data from thepriority computer, and store the application data in the first portionof the data store. The interface on the priority computer may receivefrom the priority professional an instruction to initiate filing of theIP application in each second jurisdiction, and send the instruction tothe server over the first secure connection. A document assembler on theserver may assemble filing documents for each second jurisdiction, thefiling documents for each second jurisdiction assembled by combining theapplication data with at least one form retrieved from the associatedsecond portion of the data store. The interface on the server may sendthe filing documents for each second jurisdiction to the associatedsecond computer over its second secure connection for review and filingby the associated second professional.

The data store may comprise a plurality of matter records, each matterrecord having a matter number, bibliographic information, and prioritydata. A priority matter record of the plurality of matter records may bestored in the first portion of the data store, the priority matterrecord having matter information for the IP application. A replicator onthe server may create a new matter record in each second portion of thedata store, the replicator creating each new record by copying thematter information from the priority matter record.

The filing documents may comprise at least two of: a specification, adrawing, an information disclosure statement, a power of attorney, adeclaration, and an assignment.

The data store may comprise a plurality of appointment records. A newappointment record may be created in each second portion of the datastore, each new appointment record relating to the filing deadline forthe IP application in the associated second jurisdiction.

There may only be a single persistent copy of the application data onthe server regardless of the number of second jurisdictions.

The document assembler may automatically create the filing documents,the interface on the server providing the filing documents to thepriority professional for review and approval before sending to thesecond computers.

The interface on the priority computer may comprise a webpage providedby the server.

The system according to the present teachings may include, although notlimited thereto, a server, a priority computer associated with apriority professional and a priority jurisdiction, and a first secureconnection over the Internet between the server and the prioritycomputer, the first secure connection requiring authentication of thepriority professional. The system may also include at least one secondprofessional, at least one second computer, each associated with one ofthe at least one second professional, and at least one secondjurisdiction, each associated with one of the at least one secondprofessional. A data store may be accessible by the server. An interfaceon the priority computer may receive from the priority professionalapplication data for an IP application, and send the application data tothe server over the first secure connection. An interface on the servermay receive the application data from the priority computer, and storethe application data in the data store. The interface on the prioritycomputer may receive from the priority professional an instruction toinitiate filing of the IP application in each second jurisdiction, andsend the instruction to the server over the first secure connection. Adocument assembler on the server may assemble filing documents for eachsecond jurisdiction, the filing documents for each second jurisdictionassembled by combining the application data with at least one formretrieved from the data store. The interface on the server may send thefiling documents for each second jurisdiction to the associated secondcomputer for review and filing by the associated second professional.

The at least one second professional may comprise a plurality of secondprofessionals, the document assembler may automatically create thefiling documents, and a translator on the server may translate at leasta portion of the application data into a different language for eachsecond jurisdiction.

The system according to the present teachings may include, although notlimited thereto, a server, a priority computer associated with apriority professional and a priority jurisdiction, and a first secureconnection over the Internet between the server and the prioritycomputer, the first secure connection requiring authentication of thepriority professional. A data store may be accessible by the server. Aninterface on the priority computer may receive from the priorityprofessional application data for an IP application, and send theapplication data to the server over the first secure connection. Aninterface on the server may receive the application data from thepriority computer, and store the application data in the data store. Theinterface on the priority computer may receive from the priorityprofessional an instruction to initiate filing of the IP application inat least one second jurisdiction, and send the instruction to the serverover the first secure connection. A selector module on the server mayselect at least one second professional, each at least one secondprofessional associated with one of the at least one secondjurisdiction. A permissions module on the server may change thepermissions for the application data stored in the data store to allowaccess by the at least one second professional. A document assembler onthe server may assemble filing documents for the at least one secondjurisdiction, the filing documents assembled by combining theapplication data with at least one form retrieved from the data store.The interface on the server may send the filing documents for the atleast one second jurisdiction to each associated second computer forreview and filing by the associated second professional.

The selection module may use preferences of the priority professionalstored in the data store, the preferences including the identificationof at least one preferred second professional for a particular secondjurisdiction.

A social module on the server may maintain ratings of secondprofessionals, the selection module using the ratings.

Second professionals may supply bids for the filing of the IPapplication to an auction module, the selection module using the bids.

A translator on the server may translate at least a portion of theapplication data into a different language for the at least one secondjurisdiction.

The at least one second jurisdiction may comprise a plurality of secondjurisdictions.

The document assembler may automatically create the filing documents.

The interface on the priority computer may comprise a webpage providedby the server.

The system according to the present teachings may include, although notlimited thereto, a server, a priority computer associated with apriority professional and a priority jurisdiction, and a data storeaccessible by the server. An interface on the priority computer mayreceive from the priority professional a specification document and anapplication information document for an IP application, and send thespecification document and application information document to theserver. An interface on the server may receive the specificationdocument and application information document from the prioritycomputer, and store the specification document and applicationinformation document in the data store. The interface on the prioritycomputer may receive from the priority professional an instruction toinitiate filing of the IP application in at least one secondjurisdiction, and send the instruction to the server. A documentassembler on the server may be adapted to assemble documents for the IPapplication. A new specification document may be created by the documentassembler for each second jurisdiction, each new specification documentassembled by combining data from the specification document with a formretrieved from the data store. A new application information documentmay be created by the document assembler for each second jurisdiction,each new application information document assembled by combining thedata from the application information document with a form retrievedfrom the data store. The interface on the server may send the newspecification document and new application information sheet for eachsecond jurisdiction to the associated second computer for review andfiling by the associated second professional.

The application information document may be adapted to output theapplication data in .xml format that can then be imported into thesystem by the interface on the server.

The application information document may comprise an application datasheet.

Other teachings of the system and method are described in detail belowand are also part of the present teachings.

For a better understanding of the present teachings, together with otherand further aspects thereof, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings and detailed description, and its scope will be pointed out inthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a system according to the present teachings.

FIG. 2 depicts data flow of the system according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts another view of the system according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a data store of the system according to FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present teachings are described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings. The following description ispresented for illustrative purposes only and the present teachingsshould not be limited to these embodiments. Any computer configurationand architecture satisfying the speed and interface requirements hereindescribed may be suitable for implementing the system and method of thepresent embodiments.

In compliance with the statute, the present teachings have beendescribed in language more or less specific as to structural andmethodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the presentteachings are not limited to the specific features shown and described,since the systems and methods herein disclosed comprise preferred formsof putting the present teachings into effect.

For purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are setforth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. inorder to provide a thorough understanding. In other instances, detaileddescriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted soas not to obscure the description with unnecessary detail.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted accordingto their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitlydefined otherwise herein. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus,component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referringto at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means,step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methoddisclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact orderdisclosed, unless explicitly stated. The use of “first”, “second,” etc.for different features/components of the present disclosure are onlyintended to distinguish the features/components from other similarfeatures/components and not to impart any order or hierarchy to thefeatures/components.

The present teachings may be facilitated by the priority professionaland the second professional using the same system, which may be cloud-or Internet-based. Once the priority professional has prepared the IFapplication and related papers, and entered the bibliographical andother information into the system, the information may be replicatedfrom the priority professional's portion of a database to a portion of adatabase associated with the second professional. This may reduce dataentry and errors as the priority professional initiates filings injurisdictions around the world.

The system may have a document assembly module. Documents may beassembled by “merging” document templates (e.g., forms) with dataentered into the system. Templates may be used to create any number ofdocuments associated with the filing and prosecution of IP applications,including a patent application (specification, figures, abstract,claims, etc.), information disclosure statement (IDS), oath/declaration,assignment, power of attorney, responses to office actions, etc. Usingthe document assembler it also helps to assure that documents are beingassembled (e.g., created) in accordance with local law. For example, asecond professional may create templates that accord with the law in asecond jurisdiction. When the priority professional wants to file an IPapplication in the second jurisdiction, the priority professional (e.g.,or staff, etc.) may use the system to create documents for filing in thesecond jurisdiction by simply hitting a button. The documents may thenbe available to the second professional for filing in the secondjurisdiction.

The system may comprise a translation module. This way, data in thesystem may be translated to the appropriate language for the secondjurisdiction(s).

A system according to the present teachings is scalable in that itpermits filings to be made in multiple jurisdictions using the dataentered by the priority professional. This reduces administrative workas data can be replicated (and translated) from a portion of thedatabase accessible by the priority professional into portions of thedatabase accessible by second professional(s). In this way, the priorityprofessional may initiate filings in multiple second jurisdictions atonce. The system may alert the second professional(s) when a filing hasbeen initiated (e.g., ordered) by the priority professional. Initiationmay include providing the IP application and related information to thesecond professional and/or creating the filing documents for the secondjurisdiction. Alerts may include emails, messages, etc., as well as theautomatic creation of docketing dates in the system.

A system according to the present teachings may provide improvedsecurity. All users (e.g., priority professional, secondprofessional(s), related administrative assistance, etc.) may log intothe system using logon credentials (e.g., username, password, etc.).Each professional may only have access to certain matters stored inportions of the database with which they are associated. For example,the second professional may not have access to the priorityprofessional's matters. However, when the priority professionalinitiates a filing in a second jurisdiction a new matter may be createdand made accessible to the second professional and the relevantinformation copied over to the second professional's portion of thedatabase. Each professional may be able to control how much informationis shared with others.

Referring to FIG. 1, shown is a system according to the presentteachings. A priority professional may use a computer 102 to establish asecure connection over the Internet 120 and log on to the platform 106.The platform 106 may be offered as a service by a third-party to variousprofessionals 102, 118 (e.g., law firms, etc.). The computers maycommunicate with each other using various interfaces 103, 107, 119. Itis appreciated that a secure connection may be accomplished by anynumber of means to access the functionality provided by the platform106. For example, the platform may be provided by secure web pages,using an application, or even as secure remote desktop connection,although not limited thereto.

The platform 106 may include a number of additional modules 109,discussed in more detail below. Such modules may provide additionalfunctionality and may be part of the same software program or differentsoftware programs operating on different machines.

The platform 106 may provide functionality for managing IP matters. Thepriority professional may provide new application data 104 to theplatform 106. This may include, for example, information for a newpatent or trademark application and for a new matter for storage in oneor more databases 108.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that new matter data may includethe following information, although not limited thereto: client, clientcontact address, contact, contact address, matter type (e.g., patent,trademark, etc.), assignee, assignee address, etc.

Required documents for a patent filing, for example, may include anapplication data sheet (ADS), patent application (specification, claims,abstract, drawings, etc.), and power of attorney. Optional documents fora patent filing may include an inventor oath/declaration, an informationdisclosure statement (IDS), and an assignment. Documents subsequent tothe initial filing may include responses to office actions, extensionrequests, etc.

Required data for a trademark filing, for example, may include, owner,entity type, address, trademark, an additional statement,goods/services, filing basis, specimen of use, dates of first use, andattorney information. Information subsequent to the initial filing mayinclude responses to office actions, extension requests, etc.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that a single database could beused, with each professional limited to accessing only those portionswith its information. The single database may have client information,client-matter information, applications, forms, contacts, and docketinginformation for users. In the alternative, multiple databases could beused.

Functionality of the platform 106 includes a document assembler 110 thatgenerates documents related to filing IP applications. The documentassembler 110 may utilize forms (e.g., templates) that may be stored ina forms database 108, 114 (e.g., portion of database accessible byassociated professional). Using data stored in database 108, 114, thedocument assembler 110 may create (e.g., assemble) documents using theforms.

In operation, the priority professional may provide new application data104 to the platform 106, which is then stored in its portion of thedatabase 108. The priority professional may then use the platform 106 togenerate an IP application 114 (and related documents) for filing in thepriority jurisdiction.

It is typical in the filing of IP applications to file in one or moresecond jurisdictions after filing an application in a priorityapplication. This allows an applicant to obtain rights around the worldwhile claiming the benefit of the priority date of the priorityapplication.

When the priority professional is ready to initiate filings insubsequent (second) jurisdictions, the priority professional can do sousing the platform 106. Because the priority professional has alreadysupplied data for the new matter 104 (e.g., trademark application,patent application, etc.) to the platform 106, a new matter replicator112 may copy that data from its portion of the database 108 to a portionof the database 114 accessible by one or more second professionals.

Once the data for the new matter (e.g., priority application information214, new international matter 216, etc.) has been copied to a portion ofa database 114 accessible by the second professional (e.g., in responseto priority professional actions, etc.), the document assembler 110 maycreate documents 116 related to filing the IP application in the secondjurisdiction. For example, the second professional may have forms (e.g.,templates) specific to his or her jurisdiction stored in the database114. These forms may be used to create an application specification(e.g., patent, trademark details, etc.), application cover sheet (e.g.,bibliographic information, etc.), etc. The document assembler 110 mayinclude a formatter that properly formats the documents for eachjurisdiction (e.g., margin width, paper size, etc.).

The copying of data to the second professional(s) database 114 and/orthe creation of documents for the second jurisdiction 116 may beperformed automatically (e.g., priority professional may identify secondjurisdiction(s) at initial setup) or upon action by the priorityprofessional. For example, subsequent to filing the priority applicationin the priority jurisdiction, the priority professional may click abutton to copy data and/or create second jurisdiction documents for eachof a number of jurisdictions. The second jurisdiction(s) may be alertedto the fact that they have a new IP application (e.g., new filing order)by message, email, new docket entries, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is data flow of the system according toFIG. 1. As shown, priority application information 202 (e.g.,bibliographical data, application data, and may include data file) and adraft application 204 may be sent by the priority professional computer206 with a filing instruction 208 to the platform 210. When the priorityprofessional wishes to initiate filing in additional (second)jurisdictions, the priority professional may activate the applicationmatter replicator 212. The application matter replicator 212 may copythe information for the new IP application from a portion of a databaseaccessible by the priority professional to portion(s) of a database 218accessible by the second professional(s). At this time, docket entriesmay also be created in the portion of a database 232 accessible by thesecond professional(s). Docket entries may help assure that the filingsin the second jurisdiction(s) is/are completed in a timely fashion.

If necessary, the new application information 220 may be sent to atranslation module 222 and translated into an appropriate language forthe second jurisdiction(s). A document assembler 224 may then create anIP application and related documents 226 for the second jurisdiction(s).Those documents 226 can be stored in a portion of the database 218accessible by the second professional(s). The priority professional mayreview and approve the filing documents created for the secondjurisdiction(s). Once approved, the second professional(s) may thensimply file the documents with the appropriate government office.

The second professional(s) can access the platform 210 using an accessmodule 228. For example, a secure connection may be used. The platform210 may include a server with virtual remote desktops. Using a remotedesktop connection (e.g., terminal server, etc.) the professionals mayconnect to the platform 210 in order to take control of a virtualdesktop. In this way, input from the client system is transmitted to theserver, where software execution takes place. The professionals may alsoconnect to the platform 210 using a locally-installed application orthrough a web interface, although not limited thereto.

The second professional(s) may download the IP application and relateddocuments 236 along with a new filing order 238. The new filing order238 may be an “order letter” from the priority professional authorizingthe second professional(s) to initiate work. It may also be an alert,alerting the second professional(s) to the new information. The secondprofessional(s) may review 242 the documents using the secondprofessional computer(s) 240 to assure they are adequate for filing inthe second jurisdiction(s). The second professional(s) may edit thedocuments as necessary. Once ready for filing, the secondprofessional(s) may authorize the filing 244 in the secondjurisdiction(s) with the relevant IP office(s) 246.

The platform 210 may also comprise a billing module 234 for managingbilling of matters between the second professional(s) and priorityprofessional.

The platform 210 may also comprise a rules module 230 for assisting inthe creating of docket entries in the database 232.

Once the application information is copied from a portion of thedatabase accessible by the priority professional to a portion of adatabase accessible by a second professional (e.g., may be samedatabase), the system may automatically send a new matter number to thepriority professional. This way, the priority professional cancorrespond with the second professional using the appropriate matternumber. Professionals typically reference each other's matter numbers(e.g., docket number, attorney number, reference number, etc.) whencorresponding with each other so that they can be assured they arediscussing the same matter. However, professionals have differentnumbering systems and may have different numbers for the same matter.The matter number may be created automatically when the new informationis copied. The matter number may also be created manually by the secondprofessional and assigned to the new matter information. In either case,the matter number can be returned to the priority professional uponcreation and serve as an acknowledgement that the filing order has beenreceived by the second professional.

The bibliographical and application information (and associated datafiles, etc.) may only be copied from the priority professional to thesecond professional at the time the filing documents are prepared (e.g.,assembled) for the second jurisdiction. As used herein, bibliographicdata may include inventor, assignee, and applicant data, although notlimited thereto. The copy may be temporary such that there is only onepersistent copy on the database. But the replication may existtemporarily in RAM so document assembly can be performed and the filingdocuments otherwise assembled. In the alternative, the copy may beimplemented by making a persistent copy of the bibliographic informationeither at the time the new matter is created or at the time the filingdocuments are created. In another alternative, no copying may beperformed but instead the professionals may use the same data.

The system may provide an “on-demand” interface for initiating filingsin multiple jurisdictions. For example, the priority professional mayaccess a website and upload the information/documents for filing in oneor more second jurisdictions. The priority professional may select oneor more second jurisdiction for filing and/or specific secondprofessionals, agree to pay filing fee(s) set by the secondprofessionals and/or relevant IP offices, and submit the documents. Atthis point, the system may copy the information to the selected secondprofessional(s) for filing. The information and/or generated documentscould be retained until the second professional(s) access it, or itcould be sent to the second professional(s) (e.g., by email). It is tobe appreciated that the interface could be by website or a softwareapplication stored on the professionals' computer(s).

The systems and methods according to the present teachings permit thecreation of an affiliate program. One or more professionals from eachjurisdiction may connect to the system and set up their fees (e.g.,filing fees) they will charge each other. It is to be appreciated thateach professional may offer discounted fees to other professionals usingthe system, since data only needs to be entered once by the priorityprofessional, reducing the administrative work for the secondprofessionals. The system may limit each jurisdiction to a singleprofessional, allowing the professionals to exchange filings with eachother.

The present teachings provide many benefits and leverage cloud computinginfrastructure, including using terminal server to connect the filingplatform. This provides a high level of security, data backup, andplatform availability. Such a system may be useful for professionalsthat do not necessarily have reciprocal work they can send to otherjurisdictions; however, they can offer attractive discounts because ofthe reduced administrative workload. Using a cloud-based platformservice adds revenue without significant additional labor or spacecosts.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is another view of the system accordingto FIG. 1. As shown, a priority professional computer 302 (e.g.,associated with a priority professional) may have an interface 304 usedto provide new application data 306 (e.g., for an IP application) to theserver(s) 310 over the Internet 308. The new application data 306 may bestored in one or more databases 322 (e.g., data store).

The interface 332 on the server 310 may have a formatter so that it canprocess application data 306 provided by the priority professional. Forexample, the priority professional may provide at least some of the data306 in a form that outputs .xml (e.g., ADS form). In an alternative, thedata 306 may be supplied to the server 310 in .xml format (or some otherformat). The interface 332 may interpret the data and import it into thesystem for storage in the database(s) 322.

The server(s)/platform 310 may have a number of modules 312 to providefunctionality. These modules 312 (and all other modules/functionalitydescribed herein) may be provided in a single or separate softwareapplications, and may run on a single or multiple servers. One skilledin the art appreciates the different ways functionality may be providedin accordance with the present teachings, which are not limited to anyparticular embodiment disclosed.

The priority professional may provide an instruction to file the IPapplication in one or more second jurisdictions. A selector module 316may select a second professional (typically just one) in each of the oneor more second jurisdictions. The priority professional may havepreferences (e.g., a preferred second professional in a particularsecond jurisdiction), which may be used by the selector 316.

A social module 320 may allow professionals using the system to rate(e.g., like, etc.) other professionals. Based on these ratings, theselector 316 may select appropriate second professionals. For example,the selector 316 may select the highest rated second professional ineach second jurisdiction, considering the ratings of all users on thesystem, just the priority professional's ratings, or a combination ofratings from a subset of all users on the system.

An auction module 318 may manage bids of professionals to complete thefiling of the IP application in their respective jurisdictions. Forexample, professionals may indicate that filing the IP Application willcost X dollars. Using this information, the selector 316 may select asecond professional in each second jurisdiction. For example, it mayselect the second professional that had the lowest bid in eachjurisdiction, although not limited thereto. The selector 316 may alsoweight different factors (ratings, bid, etc.) in order to selectappropriate second professionals.

One the selector 316 has selected the appropriate second professionals,a permissions module 314 may change the permissions for the applicationdata stored in database(s) 322. For example, it may make the applicationdata accessible to each of the selected second professionals. This way,it may not be necessary for the system to make copies of the data.Instead, the priority professional may upload the application data forstorage in the database(s) 322 and once the selector 316 has identifiedsecond professionals the data will be made available to those secondprofessionals (e.g., may be read only permission, ability to download,edit permission, or a combination).

A document assembler 324 may then use the application data to createsecond jurisdiction documents 326 that it sends to interface(s) 330 onsecond professional computer(s) 328. This way, the priority professionalmay simultaneously initiate filings in multiple second jurisdictionsusing the system.

Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a data store of the system accordingto FIG. 1. As described above, one or more data stores 400 may haveportions that are only accessible to certain professionals. For example,the priority professional may have a portion 402 and each secondprofessional may have a portion 404. The data store 400 may havedatabases (e.g., can be tables or some other storage format) withinformation on matters 406, appointments 408, permissions 410, forms412, and documents 414 (e.g., filing documents created by system usingforms), although not limited thereto.

While the present teachings have been described above in terms ofspecific embodiments, it is to be understood that they are not limitedto these disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and other embodimentswill come to mind to those skilled in the art to which this pertains,and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure andthe appended claims. It is intended that the scope of the presentteachings should be determined by proper interpretation and constructionof the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood bythose of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in thisspecification and the attached drawings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for automating the preparation ofintellectual property applications for filing, comprising: a server; apriority computer associated with a priority professional and a priorityjurisdiction; a first secure connection over the Internet between theserver and the priority computer, the first secure connection requiringauthentication of the priority professional; a plurality of secondcomputers, each associated with one of a plurality of secondprofessionals and one of a plurality of second jurisdictions; aplurality of second secure connections over the Internet, one betweeneach second computer and the server, each second secure connectionrequiring authentication of the associated second professional; a datastore accessible by the server; the data store having a matter database,each matter having a matter number; the data store having a formsdatabase, each form relating to an intellectual property filingdocument; the data store having an appointment database, eachappointment relating to a filing deadline; the priority professionalassociated with a first portion of the data store, and each secondprofessional associated with a second portion of the data store; each ofthe first and second portions of the data store only accessible by theassociated professional after authentication and not accessible by anyof the other professionals; an interface on the priority computerreceiving from the priority professional application data for an IPapplication, and sending the application data to the server over thefirst secure connection; an interface on the server receiving theapplication data from the priority computer, and storing the applicationdata in the first portion of the data store; the interface on thepriority computer receiving from the priority professional aninstruction to initiate filing of the IP application in each secondjurisdiction, and sending the instruction to the server over the firstsecure connection; a replicator on the server adapted to copy theapplication data from the first portion of the data store to each secondportion of the data store; a new matter record created by the replicatorand stored in each second portion of the data store, the replicatorcreating each new record by copying matter information from a prioritymatter stored in the first portion of the data store, the prioritymatter having matter information for the IP application; a newappointment record created by the replicator and stored in each secondportion of the data store, each new appointment record relating to thefiling deadline for the IP application in the associated secondjurisdiction; a document assembler on the server adapted to assembledocuments for the IP application; a specification document created bythe document assembler for each second jurisdiction, the specificationdocument for each second jurisdiction assembled by combining theapplication data with a form retrieved from the second portion of thedata store associated with the respective second professional; anapplication information sheet created by the document assembler for eachsecond jurisdiction, the application information sheet for each secondjurisdiction assembled by combining the application data with a formretrieved from the second portion of the data store associated with therespective second professional; the interface on the server sending thespecification document and application information sheet for each secondjurisdiction to the associated second computer over its second secureconnection for review and filing by the associated second professional.2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a translator on the servertranslating at least a portion of the application data into a differentlanguage for each second jurisdiction.
 3. The system of claim 1 whereinthe system limits each second jurisdiction to a single secondprofessional.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the application datacopied by the replicator has a temporary state that only lasts until thespecification and application information sheet are assembled.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the replicator only copies the applicationdata at the time the filing documents are assembled.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the specification document comprises a specification fora new patent application and the application information sheet comprisesan application data sheet.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein thespecification document comprises a new trademark application and theapplication information sheet comprises a cover sheet for the newtrademark application.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising abilling module on the server; the billing module automatically creatingan invoice for each second professional to file the IP application, andtransmitting each invoice to the priority professional.
 9. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the server transmits filing documents for each secondjurisdiction to an official government office for filing in therespective second jurisdiction.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein eachnew matter record is associated with a matter number for the prioritymatter.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the server comprises aplurality of computers communicating with each other over a network. 12.A system for automating the preparation of intellectual propertyapplications for filing, comprising: a server; a priority computerassociated with a priority professional and a priority jurisdiction; afirst secure connection over the Internet between the server and thepriority computer, the first secure connection requiring authenticationof the priority professional; at least one second computer, eachassociated with one of at least one second professional and one of atleast one second jurisdiction; at least one second secure connectionover the Internet between the server and each at least one secondcomputer, each second secure connection requiring authentication of theassociated second professional; a data store accessible by the server;the priority professional associated with a first portion of the datastore, and each second professional associated with a second portion ofthe data store; each of the first and second portions of the data storeonly accessible by the associated professional after authentication andnot accessible by any of the other professionals; an interface on thepriority computer receiving from the priority professional applicationdata for an IP application, and sending the application data to theserver over the first secure connection; an interface on the serverreceiving the application data from the priority computer, and storingthe application data in the first portion of the data store; theinterface on the priority computer receiving from the priorityprofessional an instruction to initiate filing of the IP application ineach second jurisdiction, and sending the instruction to the server overthe first secure connection; a document assembler on the serverassembling filing documents for each second jurisdiction, the filingdocuments for each second jurisdiction assembled by combining theapplication data with at least one form retrieved from the associatedsecond portion of the data store; the interface on the server sendingthe filing documents for each second jurisdiction to the associatedsecond computer over its second secure connection for review and filingby the associated second professional.
 13. The system of claim 12wherein the data store comprises a plurality of matter records, eachmatter record having a matter number, bibliographic information, andpriority data; a priority matter record of the plurality of matterrecords stored in the first portion of the data store, the prioritymatter record having matter information for the IP application; areplicator on the server creating a new matter record in each secondportion of the data store, the replicator creating each new record bycopying the matter information from the priority matter record.
 14. Thesystem of claim 12 wherein the filing documents comprise at least twoof: a specification, a drawing, an information disclosure statement, apower of attorney, a declaration, and an assignment.
 15. The system ofclaim 12 wherein the data store comprises a plurality of appointmentrecords; a new appointment record is created in each second portion ofthe data store, each new appointment record relating to the filingdeadline for the IP application in the associated second jurisdiction.16. The system of claim 12 wherein there is only a single persistentcopy of the application data on the server regardless of the number ofsecond jurisdictions.
 17. The system of claim 12 wherein the documentassembler automatically creates the filing documents, the interface onthe server providing the filing documents to the priority professionalfor review and approval before sending to the second computers.
 18. Thesystem of claim 12 wherein the interface on the priority computercomprises a webpage provided by the server.
 19. A system for automatingthe preparation of intellectual property applications for filing,comprising: a server; a priority computer associated with a priorityprofessional and a priority jurisdiction; a first secure connection overthe Internet between the server and the priority computer, the firstsecure connection requiring authentication of the priority professional;at least one second computer, each associated with one of at least onesecond professional and one of at least one second jurisdiction; a datastore accessible by the server; an interface on the priority computerreceiving from the priority professional application data for an IPapplication, and sending the application data to the server over thefirst secure connection; an interface on the server receiving theapplication data from the priority computer, and storing the applicationdata in the data store; the interface on the priority computer receivingfrom the priority professional an instruction to initiate filing of theIP application in each second jurisdiction, and sending the instructionto the server over the first secure connection; a document assembler onthe server assembling filing documents for each second jurisdiction, thefiling documents for each second jurisdiction assembled by combining theapplication data with at least one form retrieved from the data store;the interface on the server sending the filing documents for each secondjurisdiction to the associated second computer for review and filing bythe associated second professional.
 20. The system of claim 19 whereinthe at least one second professional comprises a plurality of secondprofessionals, the document assembler automatically creates the filingdocuments, and a translator on the server translates at least a portionof the application data into a different language for each secondjurisdiction.
 21. A system for automating the preparation ofintellectual property applications for filing, comprising: a server; apriority computer associated with a priority professional and a priorityjurisdiction; a first secure connection over the Internet between theserver and the priority computer, the first secure connection requiringauthentication of the priority professional; a data store accessible bythe server; an interface on the priority computer receiving from thepriority professional application data for an IP application, andsending the application data to the server over the first secureconnection; an interface on the server receiving the application datafrom the priority computer, and storing the application data in the datastore; the interface on the priority computer receiving from thepriority professional an instruction to initiate filing of the IPapplication in at least one second jurisdiction, and sending theinstruction to the server over the first secure connection; a selectormodule on the server selecting at least one second professional, each atleast one second professional associated with one of the at least onesecond jurisdiction; a permissions module on the server changing thepermissions for the application data stored in the data store to allowaccess by the at least one second professional; a document assembler onthe server assembling filing documents for the at least one secondjurisdiction, the filing documents assembled by combining theapplication data with at least one form retrieved from the data store;the interface on the server sending the filing documents for the atleast one second jurisdiction to each associated second computer forreview and filing by the associated second professional.
 22. The systemof claim 21 wherein the selection module uses preferences of thepriority professional stored in the data store, the preferencesincluding the identification of at least one preferred secondprofessional for a particular second jurisdiction.
 23. The system ofclaim 21 further comprising a social module on the server maintainingratings of second professionals, the selection module using the ratings.24. The system of claim 21 further comprising an auction module, whereinsecond professionals supply bids for the filing of the IP application tothe auction module, the selection module using the bids.
 25. The systemof claim 21 further comprising a translator on the server translating atleast a portion of the application data into a different language forthe at least one second jurisdiction.
 26. The system of claim 21 whereinthe at least one second jurisdiction comprises a plurality of secondjurisdictions.
 27. The system of claim 21 wherein the document assemblerautomatically creates the filing documents.
 28. The system of claim 21wherein the interface on the priority computer comprises a webpageprovided by the server.
 29. A system for automating the preparation ofintellectual property applications for filing, comprising: a server; apriority computer associated with a priority professional and a priorityjurisdiction; a data store accessible by the server; an interface on thepriority computer receiving from the priority professional aspecification document and an application information document for an IPapplication, and sending the specification document and applicationinformation document to the server; an interface on the server receivingthe specification document and application information document from thepriority computer, and storing the specification document andapplication information document in the data store; the interface on thepriority computer receiving from the priority professional aninstruction to initiate filing of the IP application in at least onesecond jurisdiction, and sending the instruction to the server; adocument assembler on the server adapted to assemble documents for theIP application; a new specification document created by the documentassembler for each second jurisdiction, each new specification documentassembled by combining data from the specification document with a formretrieved from the data store; a new application information documentcreated by the document assembler for each second jurisdiction, each newapplication information document assembled by combining the data fromthe application information document with a form retrieved from the datastore; the interface on the server sending the new specificationdocument and new application information sheet for each secondjurisdiction to the associated second computer for review and filing bythe associated second professional.
 30. The system of claim 29 whereinthe application information document is adapted to output theapplication data in .xml format that is then imported into the system bythe interface on the server.
 31. The system of claim 29 wherein theapplication information document comprises an application data sheet.